At SWJ Affordable Stays, we understand the importance of strengthening the neighborhoods where our hosts operate.
That’s why we’re bringing this opportunity to our guests, neighbors, subscribers, and anyone else who may have landed here—whether by accident or because you follow one of our newsletters.
We don’t just host in these neighborhoods. We live here, too.
We are always looking for ideas and opportunities to collaborate with organizations such as Northwest Neighborhoods CDC, with the hope of improving the areas we call home—whether you’ve called Cudell or Edgewater home for many years, are here for only a short while, or simply care about the community around you.
This one is about ideas.
Northwest Neighborhoods has opened its Fall 2026 Cudell Edgewater Neighborhood Improvement Fund, with approximately $25,000 available for community projects.
Have an idea? Get involved.
Enjoy the read. Below, we’re sharing the Northwest Neighborhoods announcement with our community.
Your Neighborhood. Your Ideas. Your Impact.
Dear Neighbor,
The Fall 2026 Cudell Edgewater Neighborhood Improvement Fund is now open!
Do you have an idea that could bring neighbors together, improve a public space, support a community event, or make Cudell or Edgewater an even better place to live?
Now is the time to apply.
The Neighborhood Improvement Fund provides funding for projects that have a meaningful impact on residents and neighborhoods. Past projects have included everything from murals and community gardens to festivals, neighborhood gatherings, civic engagement efforts, youth programs, and community-building events.
And we want to hear your idea.
Look What Your Neighbors Have Done
Over the past two grant cycles, the Neighborhood Improvement Fund awarded more than $60,000 for 18 projects across Cudell and Edgewater, each reflecting the creativity and energy of our local community.
Previous projects:
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Public Art/Murals
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Southeast Asian Festival
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Cudell Neighborhood Gathering Events
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Clifton-Baltic Neighbors Community Building Event Series
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Cultivating Community: Garden & Art
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Clay Play Days at KismetSystems
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AED/Stop the Bleed Placement + Training
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Free Haircuts for Youth
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Bike Fix-a-thon and Pop-Up Events
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Ward 11 + 12 Community Meeting Recordings/Civic Engagement
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Lake Ave Median Beautification/Maintenance
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Urban Community Garden Support
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CFA Community Garden
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GardenWalk 2026 Shuttle
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Pop-Up Roller Skating Events
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Wellness Event Series
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Connecting Neighbors: Building Community Event
These projects show that there isn’t just one way to make a difference in your neighborhood. Big idea or small idea, an event, a gathering, a creative project, or an investment in a shared space, we want to hear what you envision.
Have an idea but Not Sure Where to Start?
Come to our Neighborhood Improvement Fund Office Hours on September 23 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Virtual and in-person brainstorming sessions are also available by request. Email Emily Bischoff (ebischoff@nwneighborhoods.org) to schedule.
These are informal, drop-in opportunities to meet one-on-one with a Northwest Neighborhoods team member. There is no presentation and no formal agenda. This offers a chance to talk through your idea, ask questions, brainstorm, or get help with your application.
You can also find answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility, project ideas, funding, and the application process at nwneighborhoods.org/neighborhood-fund.
Apply by September 30
Applications are open now through Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Approximately $25,000 in funding is available, and projects will be reviewed individually based on the quality of the application and potential positive impact on residents and neighborhoods.
Have a question? We’re happy to help.
We can’t wait to see what you come up with.
